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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to worry about the heat in schools on Monday and Tuesday

96 replies

Ihearticecream · 14/07/2022 13:29

I may be over-worrying but with the weather warnings and it set to be 35c+ on Monday and Tuesday (South East England) am I being unreasonable to be worried? My children really don’t cope well with heat and while at school I don’t see how they can concentrate. Not to mention the staff. Especially the pregnant staff members. There’s no air conditioning, maybe a fan in the classroom and they don’t allow constant access to water (that is another thread).

And I appreciate there are a number of professions where they still have to be suited and booted regardless of the weather but this thread isn’t about that (I salute you!)

If any staff in schools know of any measures they are putting in place that would be great.

#Weshouldhavebrokenupalready

OP posts:
noblegiraffe · 14/07/2022 18:27

The DfE have released their heatwave guidance. It’s basically a list of the signs of heatstroke, which is reassuring.

And this gibberish:

”Windows should be closed when the outdoor air becomes warmer than the air indoors – this should help keep the heat out while allowing adequate ventilation. Indoor blinds or curtains can be closed where possible but should not block ventilation.”

educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/07/14/advice-for-schools-and-other-education-settings-during-a-heatwave/

PaperTyger · 14/07/2022 18:28

@OhYouBadBadKitten

Thank you so much for all your weather threads and all the "intelligence" you share!

I was thinking what an absolute hellish nightmare it will be for families stuck on motorways jams in this heat! I hope people are sensible!

InChocolateWeTrust · 14/07/2022 18:35

The temperature inside most schools won't be that high and won't be higher than their homes, children won't be sent out in the midday sun unless there's plenty of shade and they'll all be given plenty of opportunities to drink water. At ours we've been told to send hats etc.

They'll be fine,the teachers won't expect much of them!

50mg · 14/07/2022 18:37

Ihearticecream · 14/07/2022 16:20

Yes totally agree. I think there’s got to be a plan in place. Full closure and cancelling everything is an extreme. But some flexibility. Maybe some water activities. The government need to do more. Why when even new schools are built, is air con not put in as standard?

I am running a brand new school building. Not only is aircon not standard, it is forbidden because of the environmental/energy consumption issues. The only aircon is in the server room.

We have mechanical ventilation, which hasn't worked properly from day one!

50mg · 14/07/2022 18:41

noblegiraffe · 14/07/2022 18:19

Mainly because as we saw in the pandemic, schools fulfil many other functions on top of education.

Then you are arguing to also keep schools open during the 6 week summer holiday?

No, but we an an SLT, caring for mostly deprived children, are very aware that the holiday is too long for many of our children already and keep them for as long as we can.

For example we don't ever add inset days to the summer. We certainly won't be closing early because it might be uncomfortable for a few days.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 14/07/2022 19:24

noblegiraffe · 14/07/2022 18:27

The DfE have released their heatwave guidance. It’s basically a list of the signs of heatstroke, which is reassuring.

And this gibberish:

”Windows should be closed when the outdoor air becomes warmer than the air indoors – this should help keep the heat out while allowing adequate ventilation. Indoor blinds or curtains can be closed where possible but should not block ventilation.”

educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/07/14/advice-for-schools-and-other-education-settings-during-a-heatwave/

basically - what to do when a child breaks advice.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 14/07/2022 19:27

noblegiraffe · 14/07/2022 18:04

There's still an extreme heat warning for Sunday, Kitten?

Yes, I'm a little surprised they haven't removed it.

Passtheduchyonthelefthandside · 14/07/2022 19:32

I'm hoping weather report is incorrect, I teach primary, it's been awful, one room I was in, felt like dementors had descended and drained the air out of me, I was walking husk! I have 'hot, hot, hot' as my water break song, every 20-30 mins, kids must have a slug of water and refill if they need to.

ComDummings · 14/07/2022 19:33

If it’s more than 30 I’ll be keeping mine off

OneMomentPlease · 14/07/2022 19:34

Fritilleries · 14/07/2022 16:14

Why is everyone catastrophising? Send children to school with extra water, sun hat, sun cream. Sorted.

Yes - this!

The point is surely just to take some basic sensible precautions and carry on. Why are we so keen to teach our children that any condition outside of a very narrow range must be feared and avoided?

bellac11 · 14/07/2022 19:35

firef1y · 14/07/2022 16:22

Secondary school (independent, special needs) broke up last week.
Local primary school have gone to the "Mediterranean" model for Monday and Tuesday next week. Starting at 7.30am, finish at 1.30pm and a 30min lunch break (instead of the usual hour), where they won't be going outside.

Personally, different hours don't bother me, as a family we're often up at 5am anyway, but can see that it's going to cause issues for others.

I'm also not so worried about the heat either, I don't remember so much fuss being made either when I was a child or when my (much) older children were at school. We might have had classes outside, kind of remember sitting under trees doing art, but mostly we just got on with it.

This is interesting

A few weeks back we were in Madrid. It was 40 degrees most days and how I didnt die I have no idea

We went to their main big park on one day as I wanted to see the gardens. We didnt get there until midday because we left a lot later than I had planned.

There were groups of school kids there doing their pe lessons (I presume), lots of running around, playing tag, groups of teachers and pupils competing against other little groups.

It wasnt just one school by the looks of it, there were different school logos on different groups.

The kids did have little water bottles but werent wearing hats or anything in particular apart from tshirt and shorts, the teachers had tshirts and long trousers.

They left about 1, I presume that was the end of the day for them. But certainly no attempts to keep them inside or in the shade!

DogsAndGin · 14/07/2022 19:40

I’m a pregnant primary school teacher,
and my huge classrooms windows face the sun from sunrise to evening - I am on the corner of the school, and it is like a greenhouse. We haven’t been given fans.

If I close the blinds to block the sun, I’ll also block the breeze. If I open blinds to let in the breeze, I also let in the sun!

I don’t know what to do - I’m taking water spray bottles, a room thermometer, trays under the desks to put their feet in water, and I will let the children take their clothes off if they want.

I’m really worried that the room will be well over 35 degrees - I’ll have to take them outside, but it’s due to be 36C in the shade!

😩

ChilleyCheesecake · 14/07/2022 19:43

Just keep them home. The teachers will be relieved there are less hot grumpy children to deal with.

DogsAndGin · 14/07/2022 19:47

InChocolateWeTrust · 14/07/2022 18:35

The temperature inside most schools won't be that high and won't be higher than their homes, children won't be sent out in the midday sun unless there's plenty of shade and they'll all be given plenty of opportunities to drink water. At ours we've been told to send hats etc.

They'll be fine,the teachers won't expect much of them!

My Victorian home is build out of bricks, with big thick walls and stays cool.

My modern classroom is in a school built on a budget, with paper thin walls. It has zero insulation. I’ll report back with the temperature on Monday. I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes over 40C in there

collieresponder88 · 14/07/2022 20:13

InChocolateWeTrust · 14/07/2022 18:35

The temperature inside most schools won't be that high and won't be higher than their homes, children won't be sent out in the midday sun unless there's plenty of shade and they'll all be given plenty of opportunities to drink water. At ours we've been told to send hats etc.

They'll be fine,the teachers won't expect much of them!

Temperatures inside classrooms is way hotter than at home. I work in a classroom I should know. All glass with tiny window openings

BlackeyedSusan · 14/07/2022 20:22

mindutopia · 14/07/2022 14:11

I think the issue is the assumption that it’s better for children to be at home in a heatwave than at school. If you live in a big breezy house in the leafy suburbs, it may well be cooler at home. But remember the heatwave during the first lockdown when so many people were stuck boiling in their hot houses and flats with no outdoor space? Not all families have capacity to take children out to air conditioned spaces (which are usually quite expensive). And so many children are safest and happiest in school for lots of reasons. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with keeping yours home though if you think that would be better for them.

Quite.

West facing flat and it is going to be hotter than hell. Even with all the measures in place. (Curtains shut etc) thankfully they have another parent near school whose house is cooler. Guess where we are going?

It should be optional to send them in. Fewer kids in school means there are cooler rooms and they can be in cooler classrooms.

BlackeyedSusan · 14/07/2022 20:23

Have pity on the police though in stabvests and dark uniform and outside. Poor sods.

MarshaBradyo · 14/07/2022 20:26

Agree with pp if you’re very worried just keep them home

BlackeyedSusan · 14/07/2022 20:29

Nopers8 · 14/07/2022 15:06

They won’t close the schools as it means families will flock to the beach. Which will cause more problems than keeping the schools open.

Ah feck, not thought of that. People do. All those hot cars and sun reflecting off sand and water.

BlackeyedSusan · 14/07/2022 20:36

OhmygodDont · 14/07/2022 16:30

Our school are still insisting on full tie and blazer, those who don’t will be put in insolation and sports day on the field with no shade will go ahead.

Oh my fucking God.

Our school is really strict on uniform but even they are no tie no blazers!

Lapland123 · 14/07/2022 20:40

The school holidays are expected and long planned. Of course there should not be further school closures. Of course schools fulfil more than education. Of course school functions as childcare for society to work. It’s absurd to suggest otherwise. Have some people learned nothing from the pandemic?

Fivecluckyhens · 14/07/2022 20:56

Our secondary school ditched ties and blazers last week. The children are now allowed to wear comfortable none uniform. The PE kits are dark synthetic fabrics so are not appropriate.

Original poster
Ihearticecream · 14/07/2022 21:27

Our school is also strict on uniform but can be persuaded for the right reason.
Its great that some posters have been informed by the school of their plan. That’s another issue we’ve known about this for a while but we’ve still heard nothing from the school. Hopefully something is said tomorrow if there is a change in plan but likely it will be at 7.30 on Monday morning, which is too late for a lot of people.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ihearticecream · 14/07/2022 21:30

DogsAndGin · 14/07/2022 19:40

I’m a pregnant primary school teacher,
and my huge classrooms windows face the sun from sunrise to evening - I am on the corner of the school, and it is like a greenhouse. We haven’t been given fans.

If I close the blinds to block the sun, I’ll also block the breeze. If I open blinds to let in the breeze, I also let in the sun!

I don’t know what to do - I’m taking water spray bottles, a room thermometer, trays under the desks to put their feet in water, and I will let the children take their clothes off if they want.

I’m really worried that the room will be well over 35 degrees - I’ll have to take them outside, but it’s due to be 36C in the shade!

😩

@DogsAndGin You are exactly the kind of person I am worried about! And someone who can’t just not turn up as I know you will be thinking of the kids. I love what you are planning on bringing in to help the children. Please do come back to let us know how it goes x

OP posts:
TheKeatingFive · 14/07/2022 21:31

Just keep your kids off if you're concerned 🤷‍♀️